Climbing Jargon – Different Hold Types

New to climbing? It can be overwhelming with the amount of jargon to learn so we’re here to help. This blog post is going to help you learn the never ending jargon of climbing. It will take you through a number of different holds, what they are called and how to use them. So after this the jargon of climbing may not actually seem so overwhelming after all.

Climbing Hold Types

Crimp 

A crimp is a tiny edge that is just big enough to hold with your finger tips. This is one of the hardest holds in climbing, however there are some ways you can master them. Putting your body weight in towards the wall can give you more control in your movements therefore making it easier to get grip meaning you can stay on the wall and finish the route.

Jug

A Jug is a large hold and usually has a good grip. A jug is big enough so that you can fit both hands on the hold. This can mean that you can take one arm off the wall and have a rest (shaking out your arms) so that you are ready to take on later moves.

Sloper 

A sloper is a large blob on the wall that is usually big enough to put both hands on; however the slopers do not have the greatest grip meaning they can be a tricky challenge. This means they are one of the hardest holds to feel confident on, but there is a way of trying to get better grip which is again just like the crimp, keeping your body close to the wall meaning you can access the best grip possible.

Sidepull

A side pull can come in a number of ways, a crimp or a jug flipped vertically is an example of this, making it tricky to try and climb normally. The best way to tackle a hold like this is to lean to the side and pull across the wall. However, this isn’t all, you can also use your feet to create an opposing force to ensure that you dont fall of the wall.

Undercut 

An undercut or as some climbers call it an undercling is pretty much a jug or crimp upside down. These holds can definitely be a challenge to grab from below them. However, once you get some height they become very useful holds. When these holds have good grips they can be used to take rests.

Volume 

 A volume is a part of the wall that sticks out. Volumes usually will have a number of holds on but there are also a number of uses for them. As well as being places where more holds can go up on the wall they can  be used as effective holds themselves in a certain way. The way these volumes can become effective by themselves is by leaning your body in the right way. After this they can become very useful handholds and footholds. One of the benefits of volumes are that you can use them on any boulder or rope problem as you like, no matter what colour of route that you are climbing. 

Once you have mastered all of these holds you will be ready to tackle any boulder problem you may face and impress your friends with your new climbing knowledge.